Pack ’n’ Play | House Swapping
1stHomeExchange.com, one of these savvy companies harnessing the travel craze, has been around since 2005. We caught up with owners Tony DiCaprio and wife, Ann Babkine, while they were on holiday in southern France ... in the middle of, you guessed it, their very own house swap. While they’re living it up in an old restored farm cottage in France, another lucky family is living it up in their home back in Montreal. Tony tells us, for his family, not only is it their business, but it’s also their lifestyle. “We’ve kind of moved around over the past few years. Since the kids are small still, we wanted the experience of living like locals,” explains Tony.
Tuscany
Currently,
1stHomeExchange.com has about 17,000 members representing more than 130 countries worldwide. The top fi ve countries to get on board the house swap train are the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Tony tells us that the best way to get your swap on is to be proactive. There are two ways to do it. If you’re hesitant and just want to try it and see if you like it, the company offers a basic membership for free. For those more adventurous folks ready to dive right in, the premium membership is only $79.99 for two years.
It takes time to fi nd the right family for a trade. Finding a family similar to yours is key. Think about it; doesn’t it sound nice NOT to have to lug the stroller, pack ’n’ play, car seats, bottles, toys and high chair across seas? Finding a family in Australia that also has mini-globe-trotters sounds appealing, doesn’t it? But it takes time and effort. You’ll have to search to fi nd your swapping soul mates.
Added bonus: Renting house accommodations like we’re talking about would cost you nearly $3,000 to $4,000 a week. Tony enlightens us that if you swap it out instead, besides the travel expense to go abroad, the rest of your vacation expenses would be comparable to your typical weekly living expenses, if you so chose. We found out that families that house swap also tend to car swap. So, if you hook up with the family of your dreams, check with your insurance companies and see if this is an option for you, too.
For you more cautious cats out there, we did our homework. We asked Tony about concerns of having someone in your house you don’t know. The good thing is, most folks are on their best behavior, as the majority of swaps tend to be simultaneous. “And really, no one is going to fl y across the world to swipe your TV.” (Tony’s words of wisdom.) However, if you are concerned, be sure to lock away anything you don’t want them to use, like jewelry, valuables and all fi nancial papers. Do your homework. Snoop around on the Internet and make sure your potential partner matches up to his listing. Ask for references from other people he’s swapped with. And above all, if that little voice inside you gives you the willies, listen to it. Instinct is invaluable.
We saw listings on Craigslist for this as well. You can check that out. But if you go with a company like
1stHomeExchange.com, you can feel comfy that your info is secure. All initial communication is done through an online form, never disclosing even e-mail addresses
until you are ready to disclose yours. The process is simple. Peruse the mega database with tons of great homes (and pictures), mull over which home and location you prefer, reach out to a new friend, and, voila, you’ve got your amazingly chic vacation! Parlez-vous français?
HOME SWAPPING TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS
1. Check with your home insurance and car insurance carriers for any rules they may have on the situation.
56 PLAYGROUND Fall 2010
2. Start your search early and be fl exible. (If you need a specifi c date and location, book a hotel.)
3. Be sure to market your home … but never lie about it. Include lots of pretty pictures. Remember, we live in Orlando, a prime destination.
4. Be proactive. Don’t wait for it to happen. Reach out to families you are interested in and personalize your letters to them.
5. Get to know the family you will be swapping with. You’ll be more at ease while you’re vacationing in their home this way.
Brazil
Paris
Quebec
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68